Patients
at risk for strokeare
prime candidates for a 64 CT scan of their carotid arteries. As with
the heart, we can evaluate these vessels from any direction by
digitally rotating the images. We can then dramatically enlarge the
vessels for thorough evaluation. The technology is so superb that
with the 64 CT scan, we can view a blood vessel that is only
1mm thick."

CTA is also used to detect
narrowing or obstruction of arteries in the pelvis and in the
carotid arteries,which bring blood from the heart to the brain. When
a stent has been placed to restore blood flow in a diseased artery,
CTA will show whether it is serving its purpose. Examining arteries
in the brain may help reach a correct diagnosis in patients who
complain of headaches, dizziness, ringing in the ears or fainting.
Injured patients may benefit from CTA if there is a possibility that
one or more arteries have been damaged. In patients with a tumor, it
may be helpful for the surgeon to know the details of arteries
feeding the growth.